If you’ve ever wondered how Ireland’s relationship with Europe has shaped the country we know today, there’s a new exhibition in Dublin that’s well worth adding to your list. Common Ground: Ireland and the EU has opened at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, offering visitors an interactive look at more than 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union.
Whether you’re a Brazilian living in Ireland, a student, or simply curious about Irish history and politics, the exhibition provides an accessible and engaging way to understand how European cooperation has influenced everyday life across the country.
What is Common Ground: Ireland and the EU?
Common Ground: Ireland and the EU is a temporary exhibition hosted by EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands. It explores Ireland’s journey since joining what was then the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 and examines how EU membership has transformed the country economically, socially, culturally and politically.
Rather than focusing solely on treaties and legislation, the exhibition tells the story through the experiences of ordinary people, showcasing how European integration has affected agriculture, education, employment, travel, trade, environmental protection and opportunities for younger generations.
Visitors can explore multimedia displays, personal stories, photographs, historical documents and interactive installations designed to make complex topics easy to understand.
Why Ireland’s EU Membership Matters
Ireland’s decision to join the European Economic Community in 1973 marked one of the most significant turning points in the country’s modern history.
Since then, EU membership has contributed to major developments including:
- Increased international trade and investment.
- Funding for roads, infrastructure and rural development.
- Easier travel throughout Europe.
- Educational opportunities through programmes such as Erasmus+.
- Stronger environmental protections.
- Greater employment and business opportunities.
The exhibition also explores the challenges and debates that have accompanied EU membership, encouraging visitors to consider different perspectives on Ireland’s evolving role within Europe.
A Great Visit for International Residents
For many Brazilians who have made Ireland their home, understanding the country’s recent history helps explain many aspects of daily life.
From workers’ rights and consumer protections to environmental standards and freedom of movement across much of Europe, many policies that affect residents today have their roots in decisions made through Ireland’s membership of the European Union.
The exhibition provides useful context for anyone planning to stay in Ireland long-term or simply wanting to better understand their adopted home.
Interactive and Family Friendly
Like the rest of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Common Ground has been designed to be engaging rather than academic.
Interactive exhibits, digital displays and audiovisual presentations make it suitable for visitors of different ages and backgrounds. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of Irish politics or European history to enjoy the experience.
The exhibition complements EPIC’s permanent galleries, which tell the story of Irish emigration around the world, making it easy to spend several hours exploring the museum.
Planning Your Visit
The exhibition is located inside EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s CHQ Building, close to the River Liffey and within walking distance of Connolly Station and several Luas stops.
Visitors can purchase tickets for the museum online, and admission to Common Ground is included with entry to EPIC during the exhibition period. As opening hours and ticket prices may change, it’s recommended to check the museum’s official website before visiting.
Why You Should Visit
Whether you’ve lived in Ireland for years or have only recently arrived, Common Ground offers an excellent opportunity to understand how European cooperation has helped shape modern Ireland.
The exhibition goes beyond politics, showing how major historical decisions influence everyday life, from jobs and education to travel and environmental protection.
For anyone interested in Irish history, European affairs or simply looking for an engaging cultural day out in Dublin, Common Ground: Ireland and the EU is one of the city’s most thought-provoking new exhibitions.
For more information, click here.
